Colorado governor renames peaks for Broncos

Longs Peak catches the glow of first light on Christmas Day in 2013. (Walt Hester, Estes Park Trail-Gazette)

DENVER—Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is taking Super Bowl hoopla to new heights.

He announced Wednesday that he's temporarily re-naming Colorado's highest mountains for each member of the Denver Broncos. The state is home to more than 50 mountains over 14,000 feet, called "14-ers" by locals.

Hickenlooper renamed the tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert, for Peyton Manning, while Zane Beadles and other members of the offensive line are getting the Collegiate Peaks range. Capitol Peak, considered to be the most difficult to climb, was temporarily renamed for Champ Bailey. Longs Peak went to long kicker Matt Prater.

In his proclamation, the brewpub pioneer also takes a dig at Seattle, noting that it makes some "OK beer."

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Mt. Elbert

Peyton Manning.

Mt. Massive

Terrance Knighton - AKA POT ROAST.

Mt. Harvard

Zane Beadles - He, along with others on the offensive line, are as formidable as the line of Collegiate Peaks.

Blanca Peak

Mitch Unrein - He blocks and tackles.

La Plata Peak

Jacob Tamme - Just as this is an impressive peak among the Collegiate Peaks, this tight end is an impressive addition to the offense.

Uncompahgre Peak

Steven Johnson - His defense is straight forward and uncomplicated.

Crestone Peak

Steve Vallos - Like this peak, which is surrounded by other looming 14ers, this center is the rock of impressive offensive lines.

Mt. Lincoln

Winston Justice - His name itself, and his humanitarian work in Uganda and Haiti, reflect the name of this majestic peak.

Grays Peak

Eric Decker - Grays and Torreys are right next to each other, like the dynamic duo of Decker and Thomas.

Mt. Antero

Malik Jackson - This defensive end watches everyone's back.

Torreys Peak

Demaryius Thomas

Castle Peak

Duke Ihenacho - Because only a duke could vanquish a castle-like offense.

Quandary Peak

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - His coverage proves to be a quandary for opposing quarterbacks.

Mt. Evans

Nate Irving - This linebacker forms an imposing backdrop to opponents just like this peak does to Denver.

Longs Peak

Matt Prater - He kicks ‘em long (set an NFL record with a 64-yard field goal vs. Tennessee).

Mt. Wilson

Shaun Phillips - Leads the Broncos in sacks this year and will be taking down Russell Wilson.

Mt. Shavano

Marquice Cole

Mt. Belford

Andre Caldwell - Like this peak’s inclusion with other Collegiate Peaks, he joins an imposing offense.

Crestone Needle

Brock Osweiler - At 6 feet, 8 inches', he makes all opponents appear as thin as this 14er.

Mt. Princeton

Manny Ramirez.

Mt. Yale

Louis Vasquez.

Mt. Bross

Jeremy Mincey.

Kit Carson Peak

Aaron Brewer - His long snaps find their path just as Kit Carson found paths through the frontier.

Maroon Peak

Mike Adams - He maroons opponents due to his tackling prowess (posted a game-high nine tackles and intercepted a pass that led to a Broncos touchdown in Houston).

Tabeguache Peak

Chris Kuper.

Mt. Oxford

Chris Clark.

Mt. Sneffels

Zac Dysert - In the shadow of Manning, the QB may be sniffling for not playing, but is tops nonetheless.

Joel Dressen - A Colorado Mountain for a Colorado State University Ram and only player on the roster to graduate from a Colorado university.

Snowmass Mountain

Wesley Woodyard.

Mt. Eolus

Sione Fua - An eloquent name, like this peak.

Windom Peak

Ronnie Hillman - This runninng back runs like the wind.

Challenger Point

Montee Ball - He was a challenger for the Heisman Trophy in 2011.

Mt. Columbia

Orlando Franklin.

Missouri Mountain

Sylvester Williams - He was born in Missouri.

Humboldt Peak

Knowshon Moreno - He "bolts" off the line (Ranked fifth in the NFL in scrimmage yards at 1,586) and tied for fifth with 13 scrimmage touchdowns in 2013. Became the first player in franchise history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season in 2013.

Mt. Bierstadt

Robert Ayers - Just like the way that Ayers makes tackling look easy, this peak is one of the easiest peaks to summit.

Sunlight Peak

Omar Bolden - He is known for his power of positive thinking and is not blinded by any sunshine in his tackling prowess.

Handies Peak

Quentin Jammer - This defensive player is known for giving a hand to his teammates and those in need through his Jammer Family Foundation helping foster teens.

Culebra Peak

Michael Huff.

Ellingwood Point

Britton Colquitt - He would be able to land a punt on this point.

Mt. Lindsey

Paris Lenon.

Little Bear Peak

Trindon Holliday - He’s 5 foot, 5 inches, but is as tough as they come.

Danny Trevathan - Like the Pyramids of Giza, Danny Trevathan's defense is a wonder of the world. He posted a team high 129 tackles, beating his next closest teammate by 44 and is 11th best in the league.

Wilson Peak

Brandon Marshall.

Wetterhorn Peak

Vinston Painter.

San Luis Peak

Kayvon Webster.

Mt. of the Holy Cross

David Bruton - His alma mater is Notre Dame.

Huron Peak

C.J. Anderson - Another impressive peak included in the Collegiate Peaks, he is a fine addition to the offense.

Sunshine Peak

Julius Thomas - because he always makes himself available to find the sunshine through the defenders and make the catch.

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